MR. THOMAS ARMITT, C. S. OF THE ORDER.
(WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.)

I was born in Rushton Spencer, in Staffordshire, in the month of August, 1774. My father dying when I was in my ninth year, and my mother, being left with a large family, prevented me from receiving that education I should otherwise have done, had he been spared, and for the same reason, in the tenth year of my age, I was put to service to the farming and gardening business. At twenty I married, and my wife bringing me a son or a daughter every year, I found my wages did not increase with my family, and, as I had saved a little from my former earnings, I commenced the business of an earthenware dealer; this brought me into this part of the country, (Lancashire) and finally to settle in Salford. I have brought up a large family, (though not without my trials and difficulties,) I trust, with that degree of credit which has justly entitled me to the confidence of my neighbours and acquaintances.

In 1812 I was made a member of the Loyal Wellington Lodge, Manchester: though I was a silent observer of their manners and customs some years, yet I was, at that time, deeply considering the utility of such an Order, and viewing its progress. In 1814 I, together with many others, saw the necessity of establishing a Funeral Fund, on a basis capable of sustaining its own weight; this was accomplished with much personal labour, and some considerable individual expence. After a labour of about two years, and each member paying one shilling each, and sixpence added to the making-money,-the Funeral Fund took its rise, and has since that time been improving both in funds (now amounting to £1106. 12s. 2d.) and in its laws and regulations. I name this, because it has always been the bulwark of the Manchester District, and principally to this we owe our present respectability in the scale of society indeed, I may safely say, that this Fund has been the City of Refuge to all the Lodges both in town and country, who have joined it.

At this time a Fund for the relief of travellers at Manchester was established, and a slow but gradual improvement took place in the laws and regulations of the Order.— This was met by some little bickering from the ambitious and interested, but was soon overcome by patience and perseverance.

In 1819 I lost my wife, after living together twenty-five years, who left me with a numerous family. In 1820 I married a second time, and I must say, met not only a frugal industrious wife, but a kind mother to wy former children.

In 1821 I was appointed D. G. M.; and, at a Committee, it was agreed, that a letter should be printed and sent to Pimlico, London, and such other Lodges as was thought necessary, explaining our views on the necessity of establishing a head of the Order, as thought that if we must have a Unity it must have a centre somewhere; therefore, we were willing that it should be established where it was likely to promise VOL. 4-No. 2-H.

the greatest benefit to the Order at large. Drake, of Rochdale, attempted to sow the seeds of discord amongst us, and succeeded in making some uneasiness, which, after great firmness on the part of the Manchester District, assisted by our country friends, the dæmon of discord was hushed in silence. In 1821 we granted a dispensation to the Washington Lodge, Baltimore, United States of America, and began to print the Quarterly Minutes of the Manchester District.

After printing and sending our views to London on the propriety of establishing a head of the Order somewhere, and waiting with patience for an answer, at length they forwarded a lengthy printed circular, the purport of which was merely to inform us that they had established a head of the Order in London, taking our views for their guide so far as they thought fit, and self-created and self-established a Grand Lodge in Jewenstreet, London, called the Grand Lodge of England, and, almost with compulsory orders, requiring us to come under their standard, and subscribe to their expences, without being allowed a word previously on the subject. My brother William being G. M. we laid this circular before the next Quarterly Committee, which was numerously attended, and who unanimously agreed to raise the standard of peace and unanimity in the Manchester District, and offer the olive to all Lodges that wished to come under its branches. Our business and chief aim was to ameliorate and soothe conflicting passions; and, in this, we wonderfully succeeded, as Lodges from all quarters not only came under our standard, but seconded our views, and became able supporters of our cause.

The first Grand Annual Moveable Committee was held at P. G. M. Lloyd's, the Manchester Arms, Manchester, on the 30th of May, 1822, and continued (by adjournment) to the first of June, when and where it was agreed that there should be held annually a General Committee of past and present officers from the various Lodges or Districts in strict compliance,-which Committee was to be moveable, and before which should be submitted for its sanction all laws proposed by the various Districts for the better government of the Order in general. At this Committee three Districts were named to stand election where the next Annual Meeting should be held, viz:— Stockport, Pottery and Newcastle, and Blackburn,-the poll closed in favour of the Pottery and Newcastle District, and was held accordingly at Mr. William Hall's, the sign of the George and Dragon, Hanley, Staffordshire, on Monday in Whitsunweek, 1823, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, and adjourned from day to day, and where the Manchester Unity was firmly and finally established. I cannot here forget the attention paid to us by that friendly people, and likewise by the Authorities of the town ;and I had the honour of attending a large, respectable, and orderly procession, which, in that country, was attended with lasting good to our beloved Institution. I may say that this was a year of growing prosperity, and we had peace in our borders,-and had a great increase of Lodges, and respectable members. At the December Committee, of this year, I was appointed, with two others, to go to Leeds, to enter into a mutual explanation with the Leeds District and Yorkshire Lodges, with power to make such arrangements as might be considered necessary by us for the general good.

Our next A. M. C. was held at Haslingden, on Whitmonday, 1824, where we had a numerous meeting of deputies, from the east, west, north and south, and ended with a procession. To the credit of our Haslingden friends it ought to be said, that they were always in the foremost ranks to support the Manchester Unity, and spent talent and money and time in the good cause, and did it with cheerfulness. In the month of August, this year, the Printing Committee began, but did little good for want of capital. About this time the Manchester District presented me with a medal, for past services,—after having served as D. G. M. two years, and being a second time appointed to the G. M's. office. This year was a year of great anxiety and difficulty, owing chiefly to a few ignorant and turbulent individuals leading some respectable Lodges astray, detrimental to their own interests, and to the well-being and harmony of the Order in general; but as the walls of Jerusalem were proceeded with, and built in troublesome times, so the foundation stone of Odd Fellowship being firmly laid, the superstructure made progressively its beautiful appearance, and became attractive to all the wise and good, and much respectability and talent were added to the various Lodges.

The A. M. C. of the year 1825, was held at Huddersfield. Here I was met by an ambitious character who called on me to prove my right to sit as the G. M. of the

Manchester Unity at the head of that meeting. The Manchester deputies were all ordered out of the room: I was left by myself; but having truth for my shield and sincerity for my support: though I rose under some degree of diffidence, yet I found fortitude sufficient to stand up for one hour, and prove from printed documents, passed Committee after Committee, together with personal evidence in the room, so that my gainsayers made no reply. Our country friends, who were numerous and respectable, together with Le Gendre Starkie, Esq. (subsequently M. P. for Pontefract,) exulted that I had, without dispute, proved my right to preside at the head of the A. M. C., and thus settle a question of vital importance; for, had it terminated the other way, in my humble opinion there would, at this day, have been no Manchester Unity; but every one appeared so satisfied at the result, that joy seemed to sit on every countenance, with the exception of those who were the cause, who seemed sullen at feeling ambition disappointed; but, as after a storm sometimes-according to the old proverb-comes a calm, which has generally a tendency to excite our gratitude. We now settled to business in right good humour, and made many improvements in our laws and regulations: here the Patriarchal Degree was introduced, and finally approved. At this Committee, I must say, to my great satisfaction, instead of ending with a procession, we entered into a spirited subscription, which was afterwards handsomely increased by the Huddersfield District, and presented to the Infirmary of that town.Thus we left behind us a proof of our intentions to do good, and an example that has been followed (with a few exceptions) ever since, and I hope will continue to the end of time. Allow me here to add, that though Yorkshire in general was not then friendly to the Manchester Unity, yet we were treated with courtesy and affability by the Huddersfield District.

At the June Committee, 1825, I was succeeded in my office by my brother William, and was appointed to go on a mission with the Patriarchal Degree, and other instructions, which, at that time, were thought necessary by the general body, as the following sequel will shew.

I beg leave to remark, before I finally close this part of my narrative, that many of my old colleagues in office-who have sat in friendly counsel with me, and assisted in many important struggles to establish our Institution-may ask, why they are omitted: I answer-first, because they might awaken some unpleasant feelings in the breasts of some who were then our opponents; and secondly, for the sake of brevity.

SOUTHERN TOUR.

In consequence of a resolution passed at the Manchester Quarterly Committee in June, 1825, I was appointed to visit the Independent Lodges in the South of England, and furnish them with the copies of the new Lecture, or what is called the Patriarchal Degree, which the Annual Moveable Committee, assembled at Huddersfield, in May, 1825, had ordered to be adopted and printed.

On the morning of the 4th of July, I proceeded (as the route expressed it) to Chester. I found them few in number, and low in finances. They, however, received me with kindness and cordiality, and evinced a desire to act, in every respect, in conformity with the laws and regulations of the Manchester Unity.

On the 5th I arrived at the Newcastle and Pottery Districts. Here, it seemed, they had had no direct information of my visit; but, on the C. S. hearing of my arrival, a brother was dispatched to the various Lodges, and a meeting was held in the evening at P. G. Cooper's. Here many important questions were put to me, which were answered with frankness, at least a good understanding soon prevailed-the new Lecture was received with great pleasure, and every one expressed his willingness and determination to forward the interests of the Independent Order.

On the 6th I reached Wolverhampton. Scarcely had the wheels of the coach stood still ere I found myself surrounded by a host of friends, who had anxiously waited my arrival. Joy beamed in every countenance, and "welcome" flew from every tongue. A numerous meeting was held on the morning of the 7th, when all communications were received with a degree of respect and attention calculated to make an impression on the mind not easily to be forgotten. After this feast of reason and Odd Fellowship I was called upon to partake of a feast of another kind--man cannot live on bread alone.

An excellent dinner was provided by the worthy host, who must have been gratified with the heartg welcome with which it was received. After having made a handsome contribution towards defraying the expences of my journey, a coach was provided, and I proceeded (accompanied by several friends) to Dudley. Some misunderstanding had taken place here, and a very numerous body of officers and brothers were assembled about four o'clock. After a few explanations, and an exhortation from me, praying them to act upon the spirit of our glorious Institution, and "love like brethren," the conflicting passions were hushed to peace-reason resumed her reign-the seat of friendship became more firmly fixed. After the clouds were dispersed, the sun of benevolence appeared with greater splendour, and joy and gladness sat upon the brow of every one in the crowded assembly. The new Lecture was then gone through in a solemn and impressive manner, and received by them like Odd Fellows indeed. Thanks were then given to the visitor, in a public manner, I may say, both with hand and heart; and their respect and esteem were still more substantially shewn, by a liberal present to enable the "wandering pilgrim" to pursue his journey with ease and comfort. After an excellent supper, the evening was spent in harmony and love, and the brethren separated, highly gratified with the proceedings of the assembly.

I visited Birmingham on the 9th, in company of the worthy C. S. of the Wolverhampton District, who kindly met me on the road expressly for that purpose. I found two Lodges here; but the No. 1 Lodge had been nearly overturned by the conduct of an expelled character, who had succeeded in introducing himself among them for bad purposes. No. 2 seemed to be making every effort to establish a respectable Lodgeto the N. G. of which I gave the necessary instructions, and desired him to collect the scattered sheep of No. 1 together again—to visit, and help them on in the work of love, all which he faithfully promised to perform.

At four o'clock in the afternoon of the same day, I set off for Worcester. Here I found a friendly few, with whom I spent the evening. They met me again the next morning, but finding that they belonged to the Gloucester District (of which they spoke with the greatest respect) I spent only a few hours with them, and then set off for the city of Gloucester. I had no sooner arrived here, than I was surrounded by a host of friends, all anxious to show which could pay me the greatest attention. In the evening, many officers and brothers assembled, and the time was spent in explaining, to the best of my power, the basis and leading features of our Order. In conclusion, a vote of thanks was given to me, and also to our Manchester brethren, for sending me on such a mission. On Sunday morning I was accompanied by several friends to the cathedral, and heard the bishop deliver a most impressive discourse, from those words of our blessed Saviour, "Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." On our return to our worthy host's, we found the table laden with all the delicacies of the season. After a sumptuous repast, we adjourned to the Lodge-room, where I was again met by a numerous band of brothers, some from Cheltenham and the surrounding Lodges. Towards evening, the windows were closed, and the room decorated as on Lodge-nights, with rich drapery, and all necessary regalia for a Lodge, of the most splendid and costly description. Our time was spent in a friendly, and I trust, useful and profitable manner. Time, however, called upon us to part; but they would not suffer me to retire, until they granted me an ample supply of cash, to render my "pilgrimage more pleasant." The next morning, though I had to rise at an early hour, several friends were in waiting to accompany me to the coach, two of whom went as far as Cheltenham, where there is a most numerous and highly respectable Lodge.

On the 12th, at three o'clock in the morning, I arrived at Brighton. Here also I had the happiness to find our friends flourishing, respected, and respectable. A meeting of past and present officers was held at two o'clock, which was attended by a P. G. from Lewes, who had come on the occasion, bringing with him the warmest thanks of that Lodge for my visit. I then delivered to them the new Lecture, and gave them instructions, to the best of my humble abilities. Their spacious and richly decorated Lodge-room was then opened, and I must say, that I do not remember having ever before spent such a night of harmony and conviviality. The honours of the Order were given me, for which I returned thanks, and exhorted them to mutual forbearance and lasting tranquility. Here, also, I had solid and sterling proof of their zeal for Odd Fellowship :-their generous and ardent spirits are worthy of the cause they have espoused, and of the success they have obtained.